TAMC's IRM Mini Is a Compact Open Source 8x8 LED Matrix Expandable Infinitely in All Four Directions

Shenzhen-based TAMC has launched an 8x8 RGB LED matrix board with a difference: It measures just 32x32mm (around 1.26x1.26in) and can be expanded in all four directions: the IRM Mini.

"We love WS2812, it's simple, and easy to extend," the company explains of its design's inspiration. "But when we want to make a matrix with it, the only choice is 5050 package, which is large pixel, and not suit for most small projects."

"The idea of [the] IRM Mini is to make a higher DPI [Dots Per Inch] version of the WS2812 matrix, from mostly 8mm pitch to only 4mm [around 0.31in to 0.16in]. And, to make it more easier to extend, we make four side[d] solder pads on it, to easily and neatly expand it as your wish."

Each IRM Mini board measures just 32x32mm (around 1.26x1.26in), and hosts an 8x8 matrix of individually-addressable WS2812 2020-packaged surface-mount LEDs. On the reverse, each of the four sides has solder pads for both inputs and outputs — allowing multiple boards to be chained in any direction to make a larger-format display panel.

"IRM Mini can be used with wide range of project[s], make a simple pattern display, desktop clock, weather station or crypto ticker, almost all project[s] you want with styled display," TAMC claims.

Design files for the board have been published to GitLab under the reciprocal GNU Affero General Public License 3. Fully-assembled boards, meanwhile, are available on Tindie for $17 each.